Minnesota: Ask a Trooper: Abide by the move over law
What is the rule about passing a parked emergency vehicle? In this week's Matters of Record, six drivers were fined $50 for passing a parked emergency vehicle with two lanes in same direction. Perhaps we all need a reminder as to what the law is regarding passing or getting around a parked emergency vehicle. Thanks for addressing my question.
Answer: Great question. I have been a trooper more than 17 years and my patrol car has been hit by other vehicles while at crash scenes a couple of times. Many of my law enforcement partners have also been struck as well. Almost all of these types of incidents are avoidable by slowing down and moving into the other lane of traffic in the same direction. If the other lane is occupied by other vehicles, please slow down and provide law enforcement room to work.
Minnesota State Statute 169.18S11 says that when traveling on a road with two or more lanes, drivers must keep over one full lane away from stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights activated - ambulance, fire, law enforcement, maintenance and construction vehicles.
The law was created in memory of Cpl. Ted Foss of the Minnesota State Patrol, who lost his life 15 years ago. Cpl. Foss was working a traffic stop on Interstate 90 when he was hit and killed by a passing vehicle on Aug. 31, 2000. The move over law applies to all of these types of vehicles, including tow trucks.
Law enforcement has been enforcing this law in an effort to educate and promote safety when approaching and passing a parked vehicle with flashing lights. Fines can exceed $100. Motorists should also be encouraged to drive distracted free, pay attention to their surroundings, keep their vision down the road and slow down ahead of time for any hazard.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson, Minnesota State Patrol, 1131 Mesaba Ave., Duluth, MN, 55811; on Twitter @MSPPIO_NE; or by email at [email protected]
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